Ready for the biggest match of the year, until… the next one, is the Panathinaikos!
The “greens” are hosted in the inhospitable “Velodrome” by Marseille (22:00, COSMOTE SPORT 1, sport-fm.gr, News Bulletin 247) having only one goal. To defend the 1-0 of the first match at Leoforo and to complete the big qualification in the playoffs Champions Leaguewhere she unexpectedly awaits them Braga!
We remind you, of course, that the match is also important for financial reasons, since the Panathinaikos secures at least 5 million euros, which will increase steeply if he manages to get into the Champions League groups!
THE Panathinaikos showed an amazing face in the first match, managed to keep the “star” Marseille away from the classic chances, he found the goal with Bernard and reached a completely fair victory, which filled his followers with optimism and… dreams. The rematch, however, is another story.
The Marseilles have an amazing headquarters, in which they are used to “suffocate” their opponent. The “Velodrome” is expected to be hot, while its ensemble Marthelino will likely be elevated, coming off a 2-1 upset win over Reims in the French league opener, although he again fell short with his performance.
THE Ivan Jovanovich at every opportunity he emphasizes the need o Panathinaikos to play his football and not be closed back. The Serbian coach worked a lot with his players on the build-up and avoiding pressing, and constantly points out that the “greens” must look threatening, so as not to give Marseille the right to feel safe in the rear.
The Shamrocks will try to control the tempo and look for the goal if given the chance to make it even more difficult for the French, which are definitely under more pressure at the moment. Let’s not forget, after all, that Marseille is in a renewal phase and has as its main goal the return to Champions League but also at the top of France, so it “burns” more. Something that can also be seen from the statements of its people, who constantly emphasize the need for the team to present itself much better than in the first match, in order to qualify.
As for his plans Jovanovic for the eleven, he, as usual, kept his cards closed. The basis of the lineup will be that of the first match, however, some change is not excluded, which, if made, will logically concern the extremes and specifically his participation Benjamin Verbich. Beyond that, the Serb does not want to shuffle the “deck” too much, after the team’s excellent performance in the first game.
Ahead of the match, Mr Jovanovic stated: “I don’t think we have many advantages over Marseille. They are a very quality team, much more experienced than us in European matches. I think we responded well in the first game. We played a good match, which allows us to think about how to play. Not that based on the result we have any particular advantage. It is a new match and with our style of play we want to play a good game tomorrow as well, without thinking about the result of the first match. Things have changed a lot in terms of away goals and we need goals again if we want to have any hope of going through to the next stage.”
On the other hand, Mr Marthelino pointed out: “I’m optimistic, I always am. If the manager is pessimistic, then he will transmit the pessimism to my players. I believe we have the ability to win the game and qualify. I expect participation from everyone in the attack, from advancing the ball to finishing. We need to improve our decisions in attack. We have a lot of things to fix and I’m sure we will. There have been many changes in the team in a short period of time. But tomorrow we will be ready.”
Possible lineups:
Panathinaikos (Ivan Jovanovic): Mprinioli – Vagiannidis, Gedvai, Magnusson, Huancar – Perez, Vilena, Djuricic – Mancini, Verbic, Sporar
Marseille (Marthelino): Pau Lopez – Clos, Balerdi, Zigo, Lodi – Kodogbia, Veretu – Unahi, Diaghe, Sarr – Aubameyang.
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
Assistants: Burt, Cook
4th: Madley
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
